Nina Nastasia returns with a new 7” single out on Fat Cat records, featuring A side ‘What She Doesn’t Know’ and B side ‘Your Red Nose’. Both tracks were recorded in the same sessions that made up Nastasia’s 2006 album, and Fat Cat debut, 'On Leaving'. The tracks certainly have a similar feel to the ones found on that record, which is to say they’re two brilliant examples of folk songwriting. The recordings are sparse, featuring no more than vocals, guitar and drums, but that’s what makes them so good. Adding more instrumentation would seem a pointless exercise, and may even overcrowd the songs.

‘Your Red Nose’, with Nastasia’s collaborator on last year’s 'You Follow Me', Jim White on drums, may actually be my favourite of these two tracks; it’s short, clocking in at just under two minutes, but it’s driving rhythm and powerful vocals make it worth the price of the single alone. Look out for Nina Nastasia on tour this year, and here’s hoping for another album soon.

Brilliant folk rock on sparse-sounding new seven inch single from American singer-songwriter, Nina Nastasia

Nina Nastasia and Jim White:Interview

American singer-songwriter Nina Nastasia and Australian drummer for Cat Power and the Dirty Three Jim White have recently recorded an album together, 'You Follow Me'. Ben Howarth speaks to them both about their unique collaboration

Nina Nastasia:Bush Hall, London, 8/2/2007

At a showcase for her label Fat Cat at the Bush Hall in London, Anthony Dhanendran watches Nina Nastasia play an empassioned, solo acoustic set

Nina Nastasia:Scala, London, 29/11/2006

American folk singer songwriter Nina Nastasia's fans have included John Peel. Ben Howarth watches her play an enjoyably dignified and old fashioned set at the Forum in London